The winger from CSKA Moscow has been loaned to Hertha Berlin of the Bundesliga, and the issue of his Nigerian citizenship has been raised.
Chidera Ejuke has been introduced as a Hertha Berlin player and has had his first media interview.
The former Heerenveen player expressed how much he wanted to play for Sandro Schwarz and how much he admired the organization of the team.
When asked how he feels about the nickname that certain members of the local press have given him, he responded that it's a clever way for them to communicate their opinion of his game.
“Come on, you know how the media are! They always give out nicknames. I’m not sure what I should take from that but that must be how they view my game, ” he told Hertha Berlin.
He claimed that choosing to join the squad wasn't difficult because he did his homework on the group and heard about their future objectives.
“I’m happy to be here and I’m excited! I spoke to my agents and we researched the club once we knew they were interested. Once I had more information and a clear plan, I quickly knew I wanted to come here – and I have!”
Experiencing cultures has helped me grow
Ejuke claimed that his exposure to various European cultures had aided in his growth as a footballer.
Following his leadership of the Nigerian team Gombe Utd, the player has played in Russia, Norway, and the Netherlands.
“Moving to Europe was a big step, but one that I always wanted to take. I got to experience a number of new things.
“Getting to know new cultures and a different style of football in new countries is always exciting and I’m looking forward to this now in Berlin.
“These experiences have definitely helped me grow as a person and a player too. My game has changed as a result. I’m just looking forward to getting to know the Bundesliga now.”
Ejuke enjoys local rivalries and might soon find himself in one when Hertha Berlin takes on Union Berlin in the opening match of the Bundesliga season.
He claimed that, overall, he was happy to be in the German capital.